Medications for Foot Pain

Glucocorticoids

Common names include:

• Prednisone]]> (usually given as a generic)
• ]]>Prednisolone]]> (usually given as a generic)
• ]]>Dexamethasone]]> (Decadron)
• ]]>Triamcinolone]]> (Aristocort, Kenacort)

You may be given glucocorticoids (cortisone-like drugs) to reduce inflammation. Glucocorticoids are given in short, sometimes decreasing doses lasting a week or two. This helps you avoid the adverse effects of prolonged treatment. These doses are often quite effective at reducing inflammation, but should not be used when the inflammation is fighting off an infection.

There are many complications associated with this class of drugs. Even repetitive doses separated by long periods of time may eventually cause major damage. But one session of glucocorticoids should not cause serious problems.

Possible side effects include:

• Puffy face
• Weight gain
• ]]>High blood pressure]]>
• Increased susceptibility to infection
• Bruising
• ]]>Acne]]>
• Abnormal hair growth
• ]]>Osteoporosis]]>
• Bone death (ischemic necrosis)
• ]]>Cataracts in the eyes]]>
• ]]>Glaucoma]]>
• ]]>Diabetes]]>
• Muscle disease
• Blood chemistry abnormalities (hypokalemia)
• Menstrual disturbances
• Irritability
• ]]>Insomnia]]>
• Psychosis

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names include:

• Ibuprofen]]> (Motrin, Advil)
• ]]>Naproxen]]> (Naprosyn, Aleve)
• ]]>Sulindac]]> (Clinoril)
• ]]>Diclofenac]]> (Voltaren)
• ]]>Piroxicam]]> (Feldene)
• ]]>Ketoprofen]]> (Orudis)
• ]]>Diflunisal]]> (Dolobid)
• ]]>Nabumetone]]> (Relafen)
• ]]>Etodolac]]> (Lodine)
• ]]>Oxaprozin]]> (Daypro)
• ]]>Indomethacin]]> (Indocin)
• ]]>Celecoxib]]> (Celebrex)

The standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be as effective as cortisone and are safer over the long run, although they do have side effects. The newer and more expensive selective NSAIDs (celecoxib and rofecoxib) are expected to produce fewer gastrointestinal problems. These drugs reduce inflammation by other pathways than the cortisone class of drugs. They are safer to use in the presence of infection. But may have other harmful side effects.

Possible side effects include:

• Stomach irritation, ulceration, and bleeding
• Allergic reactions
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names include:

• Aspirin]]>
• ]]>Ibuprofen]]> (Motrin, Advil)
• ]]>Naproxen]]> (Aleve)
• ]]>Piroxicam]]> (Feldene)
• ]]>Sulindac]]> (Clinoril)

Aspirin, which reduces inflammation, is really the first of the NSAIDs. There are minor differences among the available anti-inflammatory agents in terms of dosing intervals, frequency of certain side effects, and other characteristics.

Possible side effects include:

• Stomach irritation, ulceration, and bleeding
• Allergic reactions
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage